East Java Investment Agency Pushes for Bioethanol Plant in Bojonegoro
Following a site survey, the East Java Provincial Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP) is pushing for a bioethanol plant to be established in Bojonegoro Regency, specifically in Katur Village, Gayam District, in order to create employment opportunities and boost the local economy.
"I am pushing for the bioethanol plant to enter Bojonegoro as soon as possible. However, everything depends on the investor," said Iswahyudi Oky Saputro, Sub-coordinator for Investment Promotion Development at East Java DPMPTSP, on Wednesday (28/05/2025).
When asked about the planned land area required for the bioethanol plant, Iswahyudi stated that approximately 5 to 10 hectares would be needed. "For the plant, the land area would be around 5-10 hectares. But that also depends on the investor. The warehouse size depends on the maize requirements. Hopefully the plant can proceed soon — there are already many green lights," he said after attending a site survey for the bioethanol plant in Katur Village, Gayam District, Bojonegoro Regency.
The survey was conducted by the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industries/Investment Coordinating Board of the Republic of Indonesia (BKPM RI) together with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
During a discussion held at the Gayam Village Hall, attended by Bojonegoro's DPMPTSP, the village governments of Katur and Gayam, forest farmers, and other relevant parties, BKPM Investment Promotion Policy Advisor and JICA Expert Mr Hiroyuki Amaya posed several questions to the forest farmers through an interpreter. These included how many farmers grow maize, the prices and land areas involved, and the challenges they face.
"Investment requires a long-term perspective, not just short-term. Therefore, good communication between farmers, local government and related parties is essential, along with support from all sides so that everything can proceed smoothly as hoped," said Mr Hiroyuki Amaya through the interpreter.
Rohmad, a representative of the forest-area farmers' group, explained that many farmers around the forest grow maize using manual planting methods. Regarding challenges, he cited unpredictable weather, the need for fertiliser and seeds, and frequently fluctuating prices.
"This year, for instance, the weather should already be dry season but it still rains frequently, which stunts maize growth and causes prices to fall easily. The current price for dried maize is just Rp4,200 per kilogramme," said Rohmad.
Rohmad added that if the bioethanol plant is indeed built soon, farmers would strongly support it, as forest-area farmers could be involved in supplying the raw materials, making it easier to sell their harvests. He noted that if assistance were provided for fertiliser, seeds and planting equipment, farmers would be even more motivated to grow maize.
"We strongly support this bioethanol plant. Previously, it was difficult to sell maize, but this would change that. In turn, the farmers' economic situation could improve," he added. "The land available for maize cultivation here is very extensive. Hopefully the bioethanol plant will be built soon, so that forest farmers can also prosper."
"I am pushing for the bioethanol plant to enter Bojonegoro as soon as possible. However, everything depends on the investor," said Iswahyudi Oky Saputro, Sub-coordinator for Investment Promotion Development at East Java DPMPTSP, on Wednesday (28/05/2025).
When asked about the planned land area required for the bioethanol plant, Iswahyudi stated that approximately 5 to 10 hectares would be needed. "For the plant, the land area would be around 5-10 hectares. But that also depends on the investor. The warehouse size depends on the maize requirements. Hopefully the plant can proceed soon — there are already many green lights," he said after attending a site survey for the bioethanol plant in Katur Village, Gayam District, Bojonegoro Regency.
The survey was conducted by the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industries/Investment Coordinating Board of the Republic of Indonesia (BKPM RI) together with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
During a discussion held at the Gayam Village Hall, attended by Bojonegoro's DPMPTSP, the village governments of Katur and Gayam, forest farmers, and other relevant parties, BKPM Investment Promotion Policy Advisor and JICA Expert Mr Hiroyuki Amaya posed several questions to the forest farmers through an interpreter. These included how many farmers grow maize, the prices and land areas involved, and the challenges they face.
"Investment requires a long-term perspective, not just short-term. Therefore, good communication between farmers, local government and related parties is essential, along with support from all sides so that everything can proceed smoothly as hoped," said Mr Hiroyuki Amaya through the interpreter.
Rohmad, a representative of the forest-area farmers' group, explained that many farmers around the forest grow maize using manual planting methods. Regarding challenges, he cited unpredictable weather, the need for fertiliser and seeds, and frequently fluctuating prices.
"This year, for instance, the weather should already be dry season but it still rains frequently, which stunts maize growth and causes prices to fall easily. The current price for dried maize is just Rp4,200 per kilogramme," said Rohmad.
Rohmad added that if the bioethanol plant is indeed built soon, farmers would strongly support it, as forest-area farmers could be involved in supplying the raw materials, making it easier to sell their harvests. He noted that if assistance were provided for fertiliser, seeds and planting equipment, farmers would be even more motivated to grow maize.
"We strongly support this bioethanol plant. Previously, it was difficult to sell maize, but this would change that. In turn, the farmers' economic situation could improve," he added. "The land available for maize cultivation here is very extensive. Hopefully the bioethanol plant will be built soon, so that forest farmers can also prosper."